BONACIC: GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT JUDGES

July 22, 2011

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I - Mt. Hope) today announced his legislation to protect judges, (S.2143D) was signed into law by Governor Cuomo.

The legislation amends the penal law by adding a new section which states a person is guilty of assault on a judge when, with intent to prevent the judge from performing official judicial duties he or she causes serious physical injuries. The term "judge" being defined as a judge of a court of record or a justice court.

"It is our responsibility to protect those who uphold justice in this state to the absolute best of our ability," said Senator Bonacic. "An attack on a Judge amounts to an attack on the integrity of our judicial system; this type of attack should be met with an increased penalty. While I am happy we have established this legislation, I am disappointed we were unable to adopt penalties that would also cover District Attorneys and Assistant District Attorneys; and plan to continue to push the Assembly to extend these protections to them."